Adjustable soft tissue protection device with illumination and inflatable dilation function and method of operation

Abstract

This invention discloses an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions and its working method, comprising: a protective sleeve body, the protective sleeve body including an inner corrugated tube, an outer corrugated tube, and two sets of inner elastic rings, the two sets of inner elastic rings being respectively disposed at both ends of the protective sleeve body, and an inflation interface installed at one end of the outer corrugated tube; a support ring assembly, the support ring assembly having several sets disposed within an annular air cavity, the several sets of support ring assemblies being equally spaced along the length direction of the annular air cavity; an lighting assembly, the lighting assembly being mounted on the support ring assembly; and a pressure monitoring assembly, the pressure monitoring assembly being mounted on the inflation interface; the protective sleeve body has a spindle-shaped structure. This invention can provide non-invasive, actively controllable tissue retraction, excellent deep cavity lighting, and dynamically adjustable stable surgical channels, thereby significantly improving the operating conditions of minimally invasive surgery in deep and narrow anatomical spaces such as the pelvic region, and enhancing surgical safety and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] Acetabular fractures are severe intra-articular fractures caused by high-energy injuries. The goal of treatment is anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation to restore hip joint stability and function. The Stoppa approach, also known as the anterior intraperitoneal approach, is an effective minimally invasive surgical method for treating certain types of acetabular fractures. This approach involves a short incision (usually 3-5 cm) above the pubic symphysis, extending through the Retzius space behind the rectus abdominis muscle, and exposing deep anatomical structures such as the quadrangular region, posterior column, and greater sciatic notch along the pelvic margin.

[0003] While the Stoppa approach offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness and less interference with key blood vessels and nerves, its inherent technical challenges are also significant. First, the surgical passage is deep and narrow. Traditional surgical field lighting, such as operating room lamps or surgeon's headlamps, struggles to reach the deep surgical field and is easily obstructed by the surgeon's hands and instruments, creating severe blind spots and shadows. This significantly affects the clarity of the surgical field and increases the risk of injury to important anatomical structures. Second, to fully expose the fracture ends and place reduction instruments and internal fixation devices within the confined space, effective traction of the surrounding soft tissues is essential.

[0004] The existing technologies for solving the above problems and their shortcomings are analyzed as follows: 1. Traditional Rigid Metal Retractors: In pelvic surgery, various rigid metal retractors are commonly used clinically, such as the St. Mark's deep pelvic retractor, the Deaver retractor, or a specially designed Hohmann retractor. These retractors apply mechanical force through their rigid hooks and plates to forcibly pull the tissue apart. Their main drawback is: High risk of tissue trauma: The stress generated by the rigid retractor is highly concentrated at the contact point. Prolonged or excessive traction can easily lead to local tissue ischemia, compression necrosis, or even direct damage to important vascular and nerve structures in the pelvic cavity, such as the external iliac vessels, obturator nerve, and variant vascular anastomoses known as the "corona of death".

[0005] Inconvenient operation and surgeon fatigue: These types of retractors are mostly handheld, requiring the surgical assistant to apply continuous force throughout the entire operation to maintain the exposure of the surgical field. This not only consumes manpower but also easily leads to assistant fatigue and unstable retraction force.

[0006] The lighting problem remains unresolved: Although some high-end metal retractors integrate fiber optic transmission, they typically require connection to an external cold light source unit, and the dangling fiber optic cables are quite cumbersome on the operating table. More importantly, their light sources are mostly single-point or single-sided emission with a fixed illumination direction, still failing to achieve uniform, shadowless illumination of the entire deep cavity.

[0007] 2. Soft Circular Incisional Protective Sleeve: Represented by the Alexis O-type incision protector / retractor, this device typically consists of two elastic rings, inner and outer, connected by a soft sleeve. This type of device provides 360-degree circumferential, non-invasive incision retraction and effectively protects the incision edges, preventing intraoperative contamination and tumor seeding. However, its application to the Stoppa approach has significant limitations: Passive retraction mechanism: The retraction force originates from the passive elastic recoil force generated by the stretched sleeve between the inner and outer rings. This force cannot be actively adjusted or controlled during surgery. For deep tissues, this passive tension is often insufficient to provide stable and adequate exposure.

[0008] Lack of integrated lighting: Such devices do not have any lighting function of their own, and the surgeon still has to rely on an external light source with poor effect.

[0009] Limited adaptability: Although the sleeve length can be adjusted by flipping the outer ring, the operation is relatively cumbersome. The degree of radial expansion is entirely determined by the fixed diameter of the inner and outer rings, and cannot be dynamically adjusted according to the size of the incision or tissue tension.

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this invention provides an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions, and its operating method. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions and its working method, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions, comprising: The protective sleeve body includes an inner corrugated tube, an outer corrugated tube, and two sets of inner elastic rings. The inner corrugated tube and the outer corrugated tube are arranged coaxially, and an annular air cavity is formed between the inner corrugated tube and the outer corrugated tube. The two sets of inner elastic rings are respectively disposed at both ends of the protective sleeve body and fixed to the inner corrugated tube and the outer corrugated tube. An inflation port is installed at one end of the outer corrugated tube. A support ring assembly, wherein several sets of the support ring assembly are provided in the annular air cavity, and the several sets of the support ring assembly are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the annular air cavity; Lighting assembly, the lighting assembly being mounted on the support ring assembly; A pressure monitoring component, which is mounted on the inflation port; The main body of the protective sleeve has a spindle-shaped structure.

[0013] According to the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions provided by the present invention, the support ring assembly includes an outer ring made of medical-grade polymer material, and an inner elastic ring made of material with high flexibility and elastic memory function. The outer ring is fixed to the inner wall of the outer corrugated tube.

[0014] According to the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions provided by the present invention, the lighting component includes an LED light strip, which is attached and fixed on the inner ring, and the wiring of the LED light strip passes through the annular air cavity.

[0015] According to the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions provided by the present invention, the pressure monitoring component includes a pressure sensor mounted on the inflation port.

[0016] According to the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions provided by the present invention, a control valve is installed on the inflation port.

[0017] The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions provided by the present invention is wherein both the inner and outer corrugated tubes are made of transparent or semi-transparent medical-grade polyurethane or silicone film.

[0018] According to the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions provided by the present invention, the outer wall of the outer corrugated tube is provided with 3 to 4 levels of scale markings.

[0019] The method of operating an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions includes the following steps: Step 1: The surgeon makes a longitudinal incision about 3-5 cm long along the linea alba about 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. The skin, subcutaneous tissue and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle are cut in sequence, the rectus abdominis muscle is separated and the preperitoneal space is entered. Step two: The surgeon uses his fingers to perform blunt dissection along the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus on the affected side, exploring and establishing a surgical channel leading to the deep pelvic margin until the fracture ends or greater ischial notch are reached. Step 3: The surgeon uses his hand to pinch the inner elastic ring at one end of the protective sheath into a thin, long spindle shape, and slowly inserts it into the established surgical channel through the skin incision. Step 4: Continue to push the pinched internal elastic ring along the posterior side of the pubic ramus deeper until it crosses the pelvic rim and reaches the predetermined surgical area. After releasing, the internal elastic ring will automatically spring open and return to a circular shape, firmly anchored inside the body cavity. Step 5: The surgeon gently pulls the inner elastic ring at the other end of the protective sleeve body outward, so that the inner and outer corrugated tubes of the protective sleeve body body can be stretched axially through their own folded structure until the inner elastic ring at the other end comfortably fits the skin surface, eliminating the loose parts in the channel. Step 6: Using a syringe filled with sterile air, slowly inject gas into the annular air chamber through the inflation port on the outer corrugated tube. Monitor the inflation pressure in real time with the pressure monitoring component installed on the inflation port until the preset pressure is reached. At this time, the inner and outer corrugated tubes expand evenly under the action of gas, which drives several sets of support ring components arranged at equal intervals along the length of the annular air chamber to unfold synchronously, gently stretching the surrounding rectus abdominis muscle, preperitoneal fat and other soft tissues to the four sides, forming a working channel with a stable diameter and smooth inner wall. Step 7: Activate the lighting unit installed on the support ring assembly. The lighting unit will immediately illuminate, providing uniform, shadow-free illumination to the entire deep surgical field. Step 8: Within the working channel formed by the main body of the protective sleeve, the surgeon clearly performs a series of delicate surgical operations such as fracture reduction, placement of steel plates, and screw insertion. Step 9: After the surgery, turn off the lighting components, completely extract the gas from the annular air chamber through the inflation port, insert your fingers into the channel and pinch the inner elastic ring of the body cavity into a spindle shape again, and then completely remove the entire protective sheath from the incision.

[0020] The present invention discloses the following technical effects: The device employs a spindle-shaped structure with inner and outer corrugated tubes, coupled with elastic rings at both ends. After inflation, the expansion diameter can be flexibly adjusted through the annular air chamber to adapt to the needs of soft tissues of different locations and sizes. The corrugated tube material combines softness and elasticity, allowing it to closely conform to the tissue shape, avoiding localized pressure damage, while reducing friction and traction with soft tissues during operation, thus achieving gentle and comprehensive protection for fragile soft tissues.

[0021] The lighting components are integrated into the support rings within the annular air cavity, and the support rings are evenly spaced to create uniform 360° illumination, completely eliminating blind spots during deep operations. No additional handheld lighting equipment is required, freeing the operator's hands and ensuring precise matching of the lighting range to the protective cover's coverage area, significantly improving operational clarity and convenience.

[0022] The pressure monitoring component at the inflation port provides real-time feedback on the air chamber pressure, effectively preventing soft tissue compression damage caused by over-inflation and ensuring operational safety. The support ring assembly enhances the structural rigidity of the protective sleeve body, forming a stable support shape after inflation to prevent device displacement or collapse during operation. At the same time, the spindle-shaped structure reduces interference with surrounding tissues, further improving operational stability and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to the present invention. Figure I ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to the present invention. Figure II .

[0025] The components include: 1. Protective sleeve body; 2. Inner elastic ring; 3. Inflation port; 4. Outer ring; 5. LED light strip; 31. Body inflation port; 32. End inflation port. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Reference Figures 1-2 The present invention provides an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions, comprising: The protective sleeve body 1 includes an inner corrugated tube, an outer corrugated tube, and two sets of inner elastic rings 2. The inner and outer corrugated tubes are arranged coaxially, and an annular air cavity is formed between the inner and outer corrugated tubes. The two sets of inner elastic rings 2 are respectively located at both ends of the protective sleeve body 1 and are fixed to the inner and outer corrugated tubes. An inflation port 3 is installed at one end of the outer corrugated tube. The inflation port 3 includes a body inflation port 31 and an end inflation port 32, which are used to connect the annular air cavity and the elastic rings 2, respectively. Support ring assembly, several sets of support ring assemblies are provided in the annular air cavity, and the several sets of support ring assemblies are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the annular air cavity. Lighting components are mounted on the support ring assembly; Pressure monitoring component, which is installed on inflation port 3; The main body 1 of the protective sleeve has a spindle-shaped structure.

[0029] The scheme is further optimized. The support ring assembly includes an outer ring 4, which is made of medical-grade polymer material. The inner elastic ring 2 is made of material with high flexibility and elastic memory function. The outer ring 4 is fixed to the inner wall of the outer corrugated pipe.

[0030] The solution is further optimized so that the lighting components include LED light strip 5, which is attached and fixed to the inner ring, and the wiring of LED light strip 5 passes through the annular air cavity.

[0031] The design has been further optimized, with the pressure monitoring component including a pressure sensor, which is mounted on the inflation port 3.

[0032] The design has been further optimized by installing a control valve on inflation port 3.

[0033] The design has been further optimized, with both the inner and outer corrugated tubes made of transparent or semi-transparent medical-grade polyurethane or silicone film.

[0034] The design was further optimized by adding 3 to 4 levels of scale markings to the outer wall of the outer corrugated pipe.

[0035] The external inflation device is connected via a quick-plug inflation interface 3. After opening the control valve, gas is injected into the annular air cavity formed by the inner layer (transparent / semi-transparent medical polyurethane / silicone) and the outer corrugated tube. During inflation, the medical-grade polymer outer ring 4, fixed to the inner wall of the outer corrugated tube, provides rigid support to prevent device collapse. The inner elastic ring 2 (high flexibility + elastic memory) conforms to both ends of the target soft tissue through its own elasticity, ensuring a leak-proof air cavity while simultaneously deforming synchronously with the expansion of the air cavity. This causes the corrugated tube to expand inwards and outwards, with the inner corrugated tube forming a protective barrier for the soft tissue, and the outer corrugated tube pushing aside surrounding tissue to create an operating channel. The 3-4 grade scale markings on the outer layer provide intuitive feedback on the expansion diameter, allowing the operator to accurately control the expansion range and avoid over-stretching.

[0036] The LED strip 5 is attached and fixed to the inside of the outer ring 4 (the original inner ring has been removed, and the fixing position has been optimized to fit the existing structure). The wiring passes through the annular air cavity and connects to a low-voltage power supply (5V DC, for safety). Because the inner and outer corrugated tubes are made of transparent / semi-transparent material, the light emitted by the strip can penetrate 360° into the operating area without obstruction, completely eliminating blind spots in the field of vision for deep soft tissue operations. At the same time, the strip expands and contracts synchronously with the outer ring 4 and the air cavity, preventing the wiring from breaking or falling off due to deformation.

[0037] The pressure sensor on inflation port 3 monitors the air pressure in the annular air chamber in real time, forming an "inflation-monitoring" closed loop; the control valve can adjust the inflation speed, maintain the air pressure, or deflate, providing dual protection to avoid over-inflation and compression of soft tissue. This module ensures a safe and controllable expansion process, reducing operational risks.

[0038] The elastic memory characteristics of the inner elastic ring 2 ensure that the device fits tightly with soft tissues of different sizes and shapes, reducing friction and traction damage; the transparent / semi-transparent corrugated tube material, combined with the lighting components, allows the operator to observe the internal soft tissue condition in real time, improving operational accuracy.

[0039] The method of operating an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions includes the following steps: Step 1: The surgeon makes a longitudinal incision about 3-5 cm long along the linea alba about 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. The skin, subcutaneous tissue and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle are cut in sequence, the rectus abdominis muscle is separated and the preperitoneal space is entered. Step two: The surgeon uses his fingers to perform blunt dissection along the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus on the affected side, exploring and establishing a surgical channel leading to the deep pelvic margin until the fracture ends or greater ischial notch are reached. Step 3: The surgeon uses his hand to pinch the inner elastic ring 2 at one end of the protective sleeve body 1 into a thin spindle shape, and slowly inserts it into the established surgical channel through the skin incision. Step 4: Push the pinched internal elastic ring 2 along the posterior side of the pubic ramus deeper until it crosses the pelvic edge and reaches the predetermined surgical area. After releasing, the internal elastic ring 2 will automatically spring open and return to a circular shape due to its own elasticity, and be firmly anchored inside the body cavity. Step 5: The surgeon gently pulls the inner elastic ring 2 at the other end of the protective sleeve body 1 outward, so that the inner and outer corrugated tubes of the protective sleeve body 1 can be axially extended through their own folded structure until the inner elastic ring 2 at the other end comfortably fits the skin surface, eliminating the loose parts in the channel. Step 6: Using a syringe filled with sterile air, slowly inject gas into the annular air chamber through the inflation port 3 on the outer corrugated tube. Monitor the inflation pressure in real time with the pressure monitoring component installed on the inflation port 3 until the preset pressure is reached. At this time, the inner and outer corrugated tubes expand evenly under the action of gas, which drives several sets of support ring components arranged at equal intervals along the length of the annular air chamber to unfold synchronously, gently spreading the surrounding rectus abdominis muscle, preperitoneal fat and other soft tissues to the surrounding areas, forming a working channel with a stable diameter and smooth inner wall. Step 7: Activate the lighting unit installed on the support ring assembly. The lighting unit will immediately illuminate, providing uniform, shadow-free illumination to the entire deep surgical field. Step 8: Within the working channel formed by the main body 1 of the protective sleeve, the surgeon clearly performs a series of delicate surgical operations such as fracture reduction, placement of steel plates, and screw insertion. Step 9: After the surgery, turn off the lighting components, completely extract the gas from the annular air chamber through the inflation port 3, insert your fingers into the channel and pinch the inner elastic ring 2 inside the body cavity into a spindle shape again, and then completely remove the entire protective sheath body 1 from the incision.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions, characterized in that, include: The protective sleeve body (1) includes an inner corrugated tube, an outer corrugated tube, and two sets of inner elastic rings (2). The inner corrugated tube and the outer corrugated tube are arranged coaxially, and an annular air cavity is formed between the inner corrugated tube and the outer corrugated tube. The two sets of inner elastic rings (2) are respectively set at both ends of the protective sleeve body (1) and fixed to the inner corrugated tube and the outer corrugated tube. An inflation port (3) is installed at one end of the outer corrugated tube. A support ring assembly, wherein several sets of the support ring assembly are provided in the annular air cavity, and the several sets of the support ring assembly are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the annular air cavity; Lighting assembly, the lighting assembly being mounted on the support ring assembly; A pressure monitoring component is installed on the inflation port (3); The protective sleeve body (1) has a spindle-shaped structure.

2. The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support ring assembly includes an outer ring (4), which is made of medical-grade polymer material. The inner elastic ring (2) is made of material with high flexibility and elastic memory function. The outer ring (4) is fixed to the inner wall of the outer corrugated pipe.

3. The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting assembly includes an LED light strip (5), which is attached and fixed on the inner ring, and the lines of the LED light strip (5) pass through the annular air cavity.

4. The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure monitoring component includes a pressure sensor, which is mounted on the inflation port (3).

5. The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, A control valve is installed on the inflation port (3).

6. The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the inner and outer corrugated tubes are made of transparent or semi-transparent medical-grade polyurethane or silicone film.

7. The adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer corrugated pipe is marked with 3 to 4 levels of scale.

8. A method of operating an adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions, based on the adjustable soft tissue protection device with lighting and inflation expansion functions according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The surgeon makes a longitudinal incision about 3-5 cm long along the linea alba about 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. The skin, subcutaneous tissue and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle are cut in sequence, the rectus abdominis muscle is separated and the preperitoneal space is entered. Step two: The surgeon uses his fingers to perform blunt dissection along the posterior aspect of the superior pubic ramus on the affected side, exploring and establishing a surgical channel leading to the deep pelvic margin until the fracture ends or greater ischial notch are reached. Step 3: The surgeon uses his hand to pinch the inner elastic ring (2) of one end of the protective sleeve body (1) into a thin spindle shape and slowly inserts it into the established surgical channel through the skin incision. Step 4: Push the pinched internal elastic ring (2) along the posterior side of the pubic ramus deeper until it crosses the pelvic edge and reaches the predetermined surgical area. After releasing, the internal elastic ring (2) will automatically spring open and return to a circular shape by its own elasticity, and be firmly anchored inside the body cavity. Step 5: The surgeon gently pulls the inner elastic ring (2) at the other end of the protective sleeve body (1) outward, so that the inner and outer corrugated tubes of the protective sleeve body (1) are axially extended through their own folded structure until the inner elastic ring (2) at the other end comfortably fits the skin surface, eliminating the loose parts in the channel. Step 6: Using a syringe filled with sterile air, slowly inject gas into the annular air chamber through the inflation port (3) on the outer corrugated tube. Monitor the inflation pressure in real time with the pressure monitoring component installed on the inflation port (3) until the preset pressure is reached. At this time, the inner and outer corrugated tubes expand evenly under the action of gas, which drives the several sets of support ring components arranged at equal intervals along the length direction in the annular air chamber to expand synchronously, gently spreading the surrounding rectus abdominis muscle, preperitoneal fat and other soft tissues to the surrounding area, forming a working channel with a stable diameter and smooth inner wall. Step 7: Activate the lighting unit installed on the support ring assembly. The lighting unit will immediately illuminate, providing uniform, shadow-free illumination to the entire deep surgical field. Step 8: The surgeon performs a series of delicate surgical operations, such as fracture reduction, plate placement and screw insertion, within the working channel formed by the protective sleeve body (1). Step 9: After the surgery, turn off the lighting components, completely extract the gas from the annular air chamber through the inflation port (3), insert your fingers into the channel and pinch the inner elastic ring (2) inside the body cavity into a spindle shape again, and then completely remove the entire protective sleeve body (1) from the incision.

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